Unlocking New Frontiers in Drug Discovery

The recent opening of the Core Facility & NUS PPS - MGI Tech Multi-Omics Laboratory marks a pivotal moment for Singapore's higher education landscape. Located within the Department of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences (PPS) at the National University of Singapore (NUS), Faculty of Science, this state-of-the-art facility is the result of a strategic collaboration between NUS and MGI Tech Singapore Pte. Ltd. Announced on March 20, 2026, the lab integrates cutting-edge technologies to propel multi-omics research forward, focusing on pharmaceutical sciences and precision medicine.

Singapore's position as a burgeoning biotech hub, with biomedical manufacturing output exceeding S$14 billion in recent years and projected growth in life sciences funding, makes this partnership timely. NUS PPS, known for its integrative approach spanning the entire drug discovery and development value chain—from formulation to delivery—now has enhanced capabilities to tackle complex biological challenges.

Understanding Multi-Omics: The Foundation of Modern Pharma Research

Multi-omics refers to the simultaneous analysis of multiple biological datasets, including genomics (DNA sequencing), transcriptomics (RNA expression), proteomics (protein profiles), and metabolomics (metabolite levels). By layering these 'omes,' researchers gain a holistic view of biological systems, far beyond what single-omics approaches provide.

In pharmaceutical sciences, multi-omics accelerates drug discovery by identifying novel targets, biomarkers for disease progression, and patient-specific responses. For instance, integrating genomic and proteomic data can reveal why certain cancers resist treatments, enabling tailored therapies. This step-by-step process typically involves: (1) sample preparation and high-throughput sequencing; (2) data integration using AI-driven bioinformatics; (3) validation through functional assays; and (4) translation to clinical trials.

At NUS, faculty like Asst Prof Liu Boxiang have already leveraged multi-omics to study complex diseases, combining transcriptomic and epigenomic data to pinpoint risk loci—a testament to the department's prowess even before this lab.

The DCS Lab Initiative: MGI Tech's Global Vision

MGI Tech's DCS Lab—standing for DNA genomics, Cell omics, and Spatial omics—launched in 2023 as the company's flagship global program. With over 30 labs established worldwide, it democratizes access to advanced sequencing tools, streamlining workflows for frontier research.

For NUS PPS, MGI provides an integrated portfolio of instruments, enabling seamless transitions from DNA analysis to spatial mapping of gene expression in tissues. Spatial omics, in particular, preserves tissue architecture, crucial for understanding tumor microenvironments in drug development.

This aligns with Singapore's Research, Innovation and Enterprise 2025 plan, which emphasizes life sciences as a pillar, backed by substantial government funding.

Technologies Powering the NUS Multi-Omics Lab

The lab's suite includes MGI's high-throughput sequencers for DNA and RNA, single-cell platforms for cell omics, and Stereo-seq for spatial transcriptomics. These tools offer unprecedented resolution: sub-cellular spatial data at whole-transcriptome scale, reducing analysis time from months to weeks.

• DNA Genomics: Ultra-deep sequencing for variant detection in pharmacogenomics.
• Cell Omics: Single-cell resolution to dissect heterogeneous populations, vital for personalized medicine.
• Spatial Omics: Maps gene activity in 3D tissue context, revealing drug interactions at cellular neighborhoods.

Such capabilities position NUS researchers to lead in areas like biomarker discovery for Singapore's rising chronic diseases, including diabetes and cardiovascular conditions prevalent in Asian populations.

Boosting Precision Medicine and Drug Discovery at NUS

Precision medicine tailors treatments to individual genetic profiles, and multi-omics is its cornerstone. Examples include using integrated omics to stratify patients for immunotherapy, as seen in global studies where multi-omics predicted response rates with 85% accuracy.

At NUS PPS, the lab will support projects on novel drug formulations and pharmacokinetics. Prof. Giorgia Pastorin, Head of Department, noted: "This partnership unites our commitment to innovation, advancing discoveries for real-world healthcare applications." Dr. Liu Xin of MGI added: "We're equipping researchers with tools to unlock precision medicine's future."

Read the full announcement here.

Singapore's Higher Education Ecosystem: NUS Leads the Way

Singapore's universities are at the forefront of life sciences. NUS and NTU share high-value facilities under recent agreements, fostering collaborations like those with GSK, Sanofi, and Takeda for biologics innovation. NUS's programs in pharmaceutical sciences attract top talent, with alumni securing roles at global pharma giants.

The biotech sector, contributing 2.6% to GDP, saw $82 million in equity funding in 2025. NUS contributes significantly through translational research, aligning with national goals for 2026 biotech growth.

Career Opportunities in Pharma Research at Singapore Universities

This lab opens doors for students and researchers. NUS Pharmacy graduates pursue careers in drug R&D, regulatory affairs, and clinical trials at firms like AstraZeneca Singapore. With demand for multi-omics experts rising—projected 12.5% CAGR in life sciences IT—the lab offers training in cutting-edge tools.

• Research assistants analyzing omics data for drug targets.
• PhD candidates in precision medicine projects.
• Industry placements via NUS's Pheauture Career Fair.

Alumni often transition to roles at NUHS or biotech startups, benefiting from Singapore's vibrant ecosystem.

Challenges and Solutions in Multi-Omics Adoption

Challenges include data complexity and integration. The lab addresses this with AI bioinformatics support from MGI. Ethical considerations in precision medicine, like data privacy, are prioritized per Singapore's PDPA.

Compared to NTU's spatial omics courses, NUS's focus on pharma applications complements the ecosystem.

Future Outlook: Transforming Singapore's Biotech Landscape

By 2030, multi-omics could cut drug development timelines by 30%, per industry forecasts. This lab positions NUS as a leader, potentially spawning spinouts and attracting international talent. As Singapore aims for biotech unicorn status, collaborations like this bridge academia and industry.

Stakeholders envision breakthroughs in oncology and infectious diseases, tailored to Asian genetics via projects like the Singapore Integrative Omics Study.

For more on MGI's technologies, visit MGI Tech. Explore NUS facilities at NUS Pharmacy.

Implications for Students and Aspiring Researchers

Prospective students in NUS's Bachelor of Pharmaceutical Science or PhD programs gain hands-on access, enhancing employability in a market where pharma jobs grew 15% last year. Actionable insights: Pursue internships via NUS career services; master Python/R for omics analysis.

Photo by Milad Fakurian on Unsplash